Dairy Technology is a branch of science and technology focused on the study, processing, and production of milk and milk-based products. It plays a vital role in the food innovation and manufacturing sector. The field covers the collection, handling, packaging, storage, and distribution of dairy items.

It is an interdisciplinary domain that combines principles of engineering, food science, and animal science. Professionals in this field are responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of dairy products such as milk, butter, cheese, curd, yogurt, and ghee.

Students interested in Dairy Technology should have a solid background in science and mathematics. With the growing demand for dairy products and ongoing advancements in technology, this field offers promising career prospects.

Degrees
Courses offered include B.Tech./M.Tech. in Dairy Technology, Ph.D., B.Sc./M.Sc. in Dairy Science and Technology, as well as Diploma and Certificate programs.

Syllabus
Key subjects include Dairy Chemistry, Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Engineering, Milk Processing, Dairy Plant Management, Food Packaging and Storage, Milk Nutrition, Milk Quality Control, and Dairy Economics and Marketing.

Major Educational Institutions
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, Kerala Agricultural University, Institute of Dairy Sciences, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Chhattisgarh.

Eligibility
Candidates must have completed 10th and 12th grades with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, securing a minimum of 50% marks.

Job Opportunities
Career options include Dairy Plant Manager, Quality Assurance Officer, Research Scientist, Dairy Consultant, Dairy Equipment Engineer, Food Safety Officer, Milk Procurement Officer, Dairy Extension Officer, Dairy Chemist/Microbiologist, Logistics and Distribution Manager, Dairy Plant Supervisor, Product Development Officer, and Dairy Process Engineer.

Job openings exist in dairy companies, milk product manufacturers, dairy technology firms, packaging and distribution companies, ice cream divisions, processing units, quality control labs, R&D centers, and rural financial institutions.